Basic Function:

This is a research focused training role, the primary purpose of which is to provide early career scientists with the opportunity to develop their research skills and competencies. As part of this development, the function of this role is to work closely with project leaders at Teagasc and the University of Galway and help outline methodologies by which dairy soiled water and farmyard runoff can be appropriately controlled and treated to optimise its management. The role will focus on the issue of wastewater treatment at farm scale and the management and monitoring of same

Background:

The Teagasc post-doctoral programme provides training and development opportunities for early career scientists, which enhances their experience of learning and equips them with the necessary skills for the next stage of their chosen career in research. The UniversWater project, funded from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation programme, seeks to recruit a postdoctoral candidate in dairy soiled water/waste water treatment. Working in collaboration with the UniversWater project partners, the successful candidate will be tasked with designing, operating and evaluating a suite of water treatment technologies (which may include: solid separation techniques, nutrient attenuation phases, hybrid constructed wetlands, advanced oxidation processes, filtration systems, UV disinfection). Thereafter, they, along with colleagues, will be tasked with monitoring the performance of treatment systems for a range of water quality parameters (including nitrogen, phosphorus, organics and antibiotics), conducting experiments evaluating the reuse of treated water for washdown and developing a decision support system to guide recommendations on the operation of an optimised system for the treatment of dairy soiled water

The Teagasc post-doctoral programme provides training and development opportunities for early career scientists that enhances their experience of learning and equips them with the necessary skills for the next stage of their chosen career in research.  Appointees to a Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellowship will be required to undertake a Level 9 Professional Diploma in Researcher Development delivered by University College Dublin (UCD).

This professional diploma is a flexible, modular programme which embraces a blended learning approach to align with the Post-Doctoral Fellow's role in Teagasc.  It is designed to develop competencies and transferable skills in research, professionalism, communication and career development.  The majority of the programme is delivered online with the remaining elements delivered in-person at Teagasc locations.  This blended approach affords the Post-Doctoral Fellow the opportunity to meet and network with other Teagasc colleagues.  During the course of the diploma Post-Doctoral Fellows will have access to a full range of supports including the UCD library, writing centre and careers centre.

This is a research focused training role, the primary purpose of which is to provide early career scientists with the opportunity to develop their research skills and competencies.

The Post-Doctoral Fellow will, while working in conjunction with senior research staff, gain insight and experience into a variety of areas including the processes of project and budgetary management, publishing in peer-reviewed academic journals, writing grant applications, and attracting external funding; the development of active collaboration with relevant national and international research communities; the development of communication and presentation skills, leadership and management skills, and overall career development.

Modules will be conducted under the supervision and direction of Patrick Tuohy or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department.

Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• Characterise the factors contributing to waste water/dairy soiled water volumes collected on dairy farms and identify mitigation opportunities to reduce this.
• Classify the key static and dynamic factors (at farm scale) which dictate the management requirements associated with this effluent stream.
• Implement a range of experimental methodologies to assess optimum nature-based and technology-based solutions for dairy soiled water treatment.
• Carry out modelling and data analysis to evaluate treatment performance under a range of loading rates and timeframes.
• Arrange and/or attend internal and external meetings with relevant stakeholders to advance the objectives of the research.
• Manage stakeholder interaction and information dissemination, including writing and disseminating manuscripts, articles, producing webinars, making presentations and generating content for social media posts.
• Collaborate with wider project partners, as well as those stakeholders who are front-facing in dairy farm management to advance the knowledge base in this topic area.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

• To interpret research findings and prepare scientific and popular press publications.
• To disseminate research findings to a variety of audiences as appropriate.
• To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
• To comply with all relevant Teagasc policies and procedures.
• To fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of themselves, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations. This includes full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
• To actively participate in the Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellowship programme and review processes, and to undertake all Post-Doctoral Fellowship training and associated duties as agreed in the Training & Development Plan.
• To take up additional duties as they may arise and be assigned by management.

Essential

• PhD in Hydrology, Wastewater Treatment, Environmental Science, Agricultural Management or related disciplines.
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD.
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in wastewater management, hydrology or farm management.
• Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output (working papers, research proposals etc)
• Excellent project management, analytical, report writing and data analysis skills.
• An ability to collaborate with team members and PhD students to help build research knowledge and skill and to guide professional development.
• Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos.
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, presentation) with an ability to enable effective knowledge and technology transfer.
• Ability to generate new ideas, unique concepts, models and solutions.

Desirable

• Analysing farm scale management data.
• Demonstrable experience in managing and interpreting large datasets.
• Experience in setting own research agenda.
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners.